natural pain relief – Organic Authorityhttp://www.organicauthority.com
Organic Authority - organic food, organic living, green living, organic thoughts.Fri, 09 Dec 2016 17:16:09 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.35 Excellent Reasons to Get Outside (If You Care About Your Health)http://www.organicauthority.com/5-excellent-reasons-to-get-outside
Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:00:50 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/?p=48484Getting outside is good for your mood, particularly when the weather is nice, but did you know that being outdoors is good for the rest of your body as well? Here are five reasons to get outside as soon as possible and take full advantage of everything that nature has to offer you. 1. Soak Up Some […]

Getting outside is good for your mood, particularly when the weather is nice, but did you know that being outdoors is good for the rest of your body as well? Here are five reasons to get outside as soon as possible and take full advantage of everything that nature has to offer you.

1. Soak Up Some D

Vitamin D, that is.

Adequate vitamin D promotes healthy bone growth, and vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to all manner of problems including several types of cancer, heart disease, depression, and weight gain.

Vitamin D is tough to get purely from food sources, so the healing power of the sun is essential. According to the vitamin D council, you get enough vitamin D from the sun’s rays in half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn; for fair-skinned people, this could mean you only need to get outside for as little as 15 minutes of time to reap the benefits.

2. Bear Your Feet to Help Your Gut

Bare feet and a healthy gut have something in common: when you walk outside, you are able to absorb much-needed probiotics, also known in some circles as soil-based organisms.

While the jury’s still out on whether we should be ingesting these organisms or not, some experts claim that merely coming into contact with these organisms is enough.

“The grass and soil are packed with probiotics, many of which you can’t get in foods,” says Christina Major, Holistic Nutritionist and Naturopathic Doctor. “When we walk in the grass, garden, or simply touch natural plants, we pick up these probiotics. They stay with us and improve our lives.”

A barefoot walk through the garden is an easy way to incorporate these organisms into your system.

3. Grab a Friend, Get Outside, and Get Happy

Several studies have shown the benefits of the outdoors on mental and emotional health. One study in particular, published in the journal Ecopsychology, showed the ways in which group nature walks were linked to considerably lower rates of depression and increased mental health and wellbeing. The effects of the walks were increased for people who had recently experienced a particularly stressful event, such as a serious illness or the death of a loved one.

Other cognitive benefits including lower stress and better focus were highlighted in a study published in 2008, which showed the ways in which the modest stimuli of nature can allow restorative therapy to take place and allow us to emerge more relaxed and more attentive for other tasks at hand.

4. Nature Has Healing Benefits

A 2005 study examined a selection of 89 patients undergoing elective cervical and lumbar spinal surgery, comparing those who were housed on the side of the hospital with 46 percent more sunlight and those housed on the side with less sunlight. The patients who received more sunlight perceived less stress, reported having marginally less pain, and took 22 percent less analgesic medication per hour, seeming to show that sunlight decreased pain, or at least perception of pain.

A 2008 study in the Journal of Biological Regulators & Homeostatic Agents, meanwhile, showed that a three-day forest bathing trip enhanced human NK activity in healthy women, which has been linked to a decreased risk of cancer.

5. Boost Your Metabolism and Lose Weight

Some studies have shown that exercise done out of doors has more effects on weight loss and metabolism than exercise done in a gym. A 2013 New York Times article explored the ways in which the outdoors can have a positive effect on an exercise regimen, ranging from a different stride when running to differences in the muscles used based on changing terrain, all amounting to a more well-rounded workout.

And while you’re at it, consider adding hiking to your workout regimen: some studies show that merely being at higher altitude can boost your metabolism and make it easier to lose weight.

Whatever the reason, and whatever the way you choose to do it, get outside to start to reap these and other benefits of the great outdoors.

]]>The Definitive Guide to Pain Pills: Which Painkillers are the Right Painkillers?http://www.organicauthority.com/the-definitive-guide-to-pain-pills-which-painkillers-are-the-right-painkillers/
Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:00:19 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/?p=38865Whether it’s the odd headache, monthly menstrual cramps, bruising, or muscle fatigue, we all suffer from pain. And when the pain is intermittent and rare, as it thankfully is for many of us, we tend to rely on over-the-counter pain pills to stop it in its tracks. While these painkillers are indeed useful in many cases, […]

Whether it’s the odd headache, monthly menstrual cramps, bruising, or muscle fatigue, we all suffer from pain. And when the pain is intermittent and rare, as it thankfully is for many of us, we tend to rely on over-the-counter pain pills to stop it in its tracks. While these painkillers are indeed useful in many cases, they tend to be overused or even misused.

Dr. Matthew Brennecke, Board-Certified Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the Rocky Mountain Wellness Clinic in Fort Collins, CO, prefers using natural therapies over pharmaceutical medication when possible, so as to limit side effects to treatment. He sees a variety of patients with a range of chronic conditions. He addressed our questions and concerns about painkillers.

Breaking Down the Three Major Pain Pills

When it comes to over-the-counter pain relief, it may seem that you have tons of choices, but as Dr. Zain Razvi, PharmD of Dr. Z’s Pharmacy explains, “If you are looking for a typical over-the-counter medication you are probably going to choose between Tylenol or one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) products available such as Motrin or Aleve.”

Regardless of brand name, most over-the-counter pain medications can be sorted into one of three categories based on the main active ingredient: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium.

Both ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to Brennecke, both “generally offer you the same relief to whatever is causing you pain.” This is due to the fact that both drugs work in pretty much the same way: inhibiting cyclooxygenase 1 & 2, also known as COX enzymes, which produce the prostaglandin lipids that are produced at sites of tissue damage or infection. These prostaglandins are involved in the body’s natural way of curing small ailments, but they are also the culprit behind much minor pain.

But if both ibuprofen and naproxen sodium work to reduce these prostaglandins, why not just stick to one? The answer comes not in how they work but in how quickly.

“Ibuprofen is fast acting and will bring relief much quicker than naproxen will,” says Brennecke, which is why Advil tends to be the frontrunner in terms of over-the-counter pain relief. That being said, ibuprofen is not recommended for those with cardiovascular problems. “If you’ve had a previous heart attack, naproxen sodium would be a better choice over ibuprofen,” he says.

As for the third drug on our list, acetaminophen, we remain a bit in the dark, at least as to how, exactly, it works. “Acetaminophen (…) is a bit of a mystery,” says Brennecke. “Throughout all of our clinical research, we do not have a complete answer as to how acetaminophen works exactly.”

What we do know is that acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic, or general pain reliever, that works much in the same way as other over-the-counter pain meds, by inhibiting COX enzymes and blocking the production of prostaglandins. It also has fewer side effects than ibuprofen, something that, unfortunately, is an increasingly problematic issue due to the over-use of pain medications today.

“The difference between acetaminophen and other non-opioids is that acetaminophen does not block COX enzymes in the peripheral nervous system to an appreciable extent,” says Brennecke. “It seems as though it only blocks pain in the central nervous system by more than one mechanism, possibly working on endocannabinoid receptors or possibly in part by inhibiting a form of COX known as COX-3, but this is still up for much debate.”

“Medications are widely overused, especially in the United States,” says Brennecke, and this over-use can result in some serious side effects. Ibuprofen, for example, can result in gastrointestinal problems when taken regularly, according to Brennecke, including peptic ulcers. Other side effects include ringing in the ears, higher blood pressure, liver toxicity and kidney toxicity, and even heart problems. While acetaminophen does not have the same gastrointestinal side effects, it can cause liver problems, and naproxen sodium is linked to liver disease, internal bleeding and hemorrhaging in the most severe of cases.

It’s all enough to make you turn straight to the natural pain relievers, but there’s one problem: pain relief in the case of natural methods is usually quite a bit slower than with over-the-counter medications. “Ultimately, we live in a “quick-fix” society and most people don’t want to look at their health in a preventative aspect, but rather throw a band-aid on the problem and forget about it,” says Brennecke.

With this in mind, we’ve addressed some of the most common pain problems and the best ways to resolve them, either with over-the-counter pain relievers or natural products.

Headaches: Hydrotherapy or Ibuprofen

There’s a reason why Advil is one of the most common painkillers on the market: the active ingredient, ibuprofen, is one of the best general pain relievers or analgesics, making it Brennecke’s choice for general headaches and aches and pains.

But Brennecke notes that possibly an even better pain relief method is one that uses no medication whatsoever. “Heat and cold therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is an effective way to deal with pain without taking any medications,” says Brennecke.

Because pain in the case of headaches is due to increased pressure in the area, relieving the pressure will relieve the pain. “By applying a cold cloth on the forehead and applying a hot bath towel to your feet, you draw blood away from the head,” says Brennecke. “The cold vasoconstricts and the heat vasodilates, effectively working as a pump to draw blood away from the cold area.”

Joint Pain and Injuries: Hydrotherapy or Naproxen Sodium

Hydrotherapy can also be used with joint pain, according to Brennecke. “Using alternating hot and cold as therapy can be quite effective in moving stagnant fluid within your body, whether it be blood or excess fluid build up in an injured area.” For this reason, it’s a great technique for helping with sports injuries, sprains or general joint pain.

But as for an over-the-counter pain medication, Brennecke recommends naproxen sodium over ibuprofen in this case. “Naproxen sodium is a drug that works slower than ibuprofen, but will offer longer-term relief,” he says. “It targets muscle tissue inflammation from sprains, strains, or arthritis.” That means that while you might have to ice the joint a bit longer, you’ll end up feeling better all day long and not just for a matter of hours.

Migraines: Natural Remedies, Magnesium, and Ibuprofen (as a last resort!)

According to Dr. Brennecke, over-the-counter painkillers are not the best weapons against migraines.

“The absolute best painkiller to ease migraines in prevention,” he says. “Migraines can be the result of nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, hormone balance, abnormal platelet functioning, medications, low blood sugar, and diets high in amines, MSG, and nitrites.” In other words, a whole bunch of different poor dietary choices can lead to an increase in these debilitating headaches, and by making the correct dietary choices, you can often avoid them or decrease the frequency.

But many choose not to make the lifestyle choices that could help them and end up popping over-the-counter pills to ease the pain. According to Brennecke, however, this isn’t even all that helpful — for people continuing to suffer from migraines, he would suggest magnesium, either intravenously or orally.

“Magnesium is an electrolyte and is the most common nutrient deficiency in Americans,” says Brennecke. Without enough magnesium, your blood may not be able to move freely enough in your bloodstream, thus leading to the headaches.

As a last resort, Brennecke does suggest ibuprofen as the best of the three to counteract migraine pain.

Fever: Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen

Again, ibuprofen wins out, but you may want to take an acetaminophen instead if you suffer from frequent pain.

“Acetaminophen also does not possess any anti-inflammatory properties, which is to say that it can be used for fever or headaches, but won’t work to relieve the pain from a muscle strain,” says Brennecke. This means that if you need to choose a medication to help ease a fever, you might want to take the one that you take more rarely to reduce the possibility of increased risk of side effects.

Chronic Pain

With chronic pain, as with all unexplained pain, always seek out the opinion of your primary care physician first. But there are other options, aside from the big three OTC medications, that can be used in these cases.

As Dr. Razvi explains, “If a person experiences pain as a result of an injury or a chronic health condition, prescription pain treatment may be necessary. Muscle relaxants help to treat many sports injuries. ‘Neuropathic’ pain treatments exist to target nerve ending and reduce the burning pain associated with diabetic foot neuropathy.”

Of course, these medications have their own side effects, which is why many experts today are suggesting natural pain relief as an option with more and more frequency, despite their longer reaction time.

“Essential oils are known to produce relaxing effects by combining aromatherapy, massage technique, and herbal ingredient actions,” says Dr. Razvi. “For example, chamomile oil helps to control muscle spasms, and lavender oil has been used to relieve stress and tension.”

But you can also help with chronic pain by making changes in your daily routine, for example, modifying your diet.

“In the United States, the average omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is 40:1,” he explains. “The ideal ratio of omega-6:omega-3 is 4:1.” To improve this ratio, a healthy diet of whole foods and lots of plants is absolutely vital.

Once you have a handle on these three drugs, their ideal uses and their side effects, you can start making educated choices with regards to when to use which drug and when to abstain completely. Starting your pain relief regimen by making good lifestyle choices like staying hydrated and active and heating a whole food, plant-based diet are good places to start!

Pain can be one of the most debilitating parts of illness or injury. But natural pain management is often possible. Check out our seven natural pain relief techniques.

1. Relaxation: To relieve pain, try putting yourself in a relaxed, reclined position in a dark room. This alone may reduce your everyday pain.

Chronic pain may also be reduced through relaxation and controlled breathing. Shut your eyes or focus on a point. Slow your breathing and breathe deeply. If your mind wanders, think of the word “relax” and chant it in your mind. Control your breathing for several minutes and use imagery techniques.

2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture uses fine needles to unblock energy channels and balance the flow of energy throughout the body. This may reduce your pain by relieving pressure throughout your body.

3. Essential oils: Essential oils can be applied to the area of pain or inhaled to manage pain symptoms. Another pain management solution is a combination of oils poured into a capsule. Frankinscence, Idaho Balsam Fir and Copaiba essential oils—about five drops each—in a capsule are a common pain relief combination. Peppermint, wintergreen, valerian and other essential oils can be applied directly to the pain site and may ease pain.

4. Hydrotherapy: Water can be applied to the body via shower, sauna, bath or compress. It may relieve stress, stimulate blood flow and release toxins.

6. Yoga: Stretching and holding certain positions can relax both the mind and the body. Yoga also may build strength and stabilize joints that can be the source of pain.

7. Herbal medicine: In addition to essential oils, dry herbs can be used for pain relief. Visit a naturopath or herbalist to find the right herbal remedy for your pain. Possibilities include peppermint, feverfew, skullcap, angelica, rosemary and valerian root.

]]>5 Delicious Foods for Natural Pain Reliefhttp://www.organicauthority.com/5-delicious-foods-for-natural-pain-relief/
Wed, 28 May 2014 08:00:22 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/?p=29423The body is a complex organism, but sometimes it takes but only a few simple, common fruits and vegetables to ease even the most chronic of pains. The following five foods offer you natural pain relief without the pill or the heat packs. Mother Nature is the world’s most premier doctor, so why question her […]

The body is a complex organism, but sometimes it takes but only a few simple, common fruits and vegetables to ease even the most chronic of pains. The following five foods offer you natural pain relief without the pill or the heat packs. Mother Nature is the world’s most premier doctor, so why question her authority? Next time you endure a post-run leg soreness or another bout of chronic arthritis pangs, try a few of the following fruits or veggies and enjoy natural pain relief.

Muscle pain is temporary in most of us, but can be chronic for others, requiring them to rely on medications to get through simple physical tasks. Fortunately, there are natural pain relief medications to be found in the fruits and vegetables around us. Whether they work for you is a matter of trial and error, but it surely doesn’t hurt to add more fruits and veggies to your diet.

Muscle pain comes from the body’s natural inflammatory response to a certain injury or rheumatoid arthritis. Acute inflammation has been called out for being the underlying mechanism in delayed onset muscle soreness. There are many ways in which muscle pain can occur, and studies have shown that what you eat could help to reduce inflammation and offer you natural pain relief. Here are five foods that fit the bill and could be your ticket to a pain-free life!

1. Ginger

I swear ginger is a panacea. It pops up in all medicinal discussions as a potential cure. So, it comes as no surprise that ginger is also on the anti-inflammation list. Ginger helps to modulate biochemical pathways activated in chronic inflammation and helps to optimize the body’s anti-inflammatory response. One study proved ginger to be an effective remedy for women with menstrual pain.

2. Salmon

The healthy fats in salmon are also good news to your joints and muscles, as they help to reduce the inflammatory response in your body. The omega-3 essential fatty acids have shown to lessen arthritic pain to the same degree ibuprofen does, although salmon appears to be a safer alternative.

According to one study, the consumption of tart cherry juice for a 7-day period during which time strenuous running is taking place, post-run muscle pain is minimized. In another study, when women between the ages of 22 and 30 years out consumed cherries, the antioxidant and inflammatory markers, plasma urate, decreased. Cherries have also been linked to reducing the effects of gout, a painful form of arthritis that causes swollen, red, hot and stiff joints.

5. Asparagus

Extracts from asparagus have demonstrated their ability as an effective anti-inflammatory agent and able to work as a therapy for a variety of immune-related cutaneous disease. Asparagus’ benefits go further than skin deep. Asparagus offers a unique combination of anti-inflammatory compounds, including saponins.

Aylin Erman is founder of GlowKitchen. There she shares step-by-step picture recipes of her plant-based creations. Aylin lives and works in Istanbul as a writer and editor at the country’s first-ever green-living and sustainability platform, Yesilist. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter to keep up with food news and recipes.

]]>Peppermint for Your Pain…The Candy Cane Cure-Allhttp://www.organicauthority.com/peppermint-pain-candy-cane-cure/
Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:00:58 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/?p=26613Long before the advent of Advil and Aleve, human beings were taking peppermint for their pain. Used for more than ten thousand years as a medicine, this hybrid mint is a cross between spearmint and watermint and contains a high menthol level. A perennial plant with fuzzy stems and toothy leaves, peppermint grows easily in […]

Long before the advent of Advil and Aleve, human beings were taking peppermint for their pain. Used for more than ten thousand years as a medicine, this hybrid mint is a cross between spearmint and watermint and contains a high menthol level. A perennial plant with fuzzy stems and toothy leaves, peppermint grows easily in moist areas and blooms brightly with purple flowers in the summer.

To treat pain, peppermint oil is applied directly to the skin for headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain and toothaches. It also may relax the digestive track and reduce spasms that cause stomach pain. In the past, peppermint oil was sold over-the-counter as a digestive aid. However, the FDA banned it in 1990 because its effectiveness was not proven in scientific studies. Some people claim that peppermint helps with heartburn, while others say it worsens it – so it seems that the jury is out on this age-old remedy. More likely, peppermint works differently for different people with different bodies – just like all medicines.

Are you thinking about growing peppermint? Keep it in a pot. Peppermint spreads quickly and is considered an invasive species in the United States, New Zealand and Australia.

Will peppermint work for your pain?

Aromatherapy

If you want to try it out, start small and take a smell. Peppermint oil is a popular player in aromatherapy. If you tend to get tired in the afternoon, keep a small bottle of peppermint oil at your desk. Take a whiff when your mind starts to wander, and see if the minty smell wakes you up.

Tea

Peppermint tea offers a more mellow experience than peppermint oil, and you can find both loose peppermint leaves and bagged teas at health stores everywhere. The next time you have a headache or bellyache, try a cup of peppermint tea and see if it helps your symptoms.

Oil

Pure peppermint oil is the most powerful of these three options, and it should be used with caution. For headache, joint, back and tooth pain, you can dab a small amount of oil onto the affected area. Rub it in well and take the moment to relax and focus on feeling better. For digestive spasms and pain, peppermint oil may be ingested. Peppermint oil capsules with an enteric coating to protect the stomach are your best option. Don’t overdo it – take the recommended amount and tread lightly.

Please note: Peppermint oil is not suited for infants and young children, and it may cause heartburn in adults. Peppermint oil should be ingested in small amounts only, and not for longer than 8 weeks at a time. Please consult your medical professional about the uses of peppermint.

]]>Cup of Pain Relief? More Health Benefits Found in Coffeehttp://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/cup-of-pain-relief-more-health-benefits-found-in-coffee/
Sat, 15 Sep 2012 08:02:26 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=11235It’s a banner year for coffee lovers. New research suggests that morning cup of joe may actually decrease certain physical pain, says Norway’s National Institute of Occupational Health and Oslo University Hospital. The study, published in the journal BMC Research Notes, was intended to look at subjects who suffered from chronic pain conditions in areas […]

It’s a banner year for coffee lovers. New research suggests that morning cup of joe may actually decrease certain physical pain, says Norway’s National Institute of Occupational Health and Oslo University Hospital.

The study, published in the journal BMC Research Notes, was intended to look at subjects who suffered from chronic pain conditions in areas including the shoulders, neck, forearm and wrists. Subjects were allowed to drink coffee before the tests, if they chose to do so. It was offered as a complimentary beverage and not part of the study’s focus. But researchers soon made a startling connection: 19 people who drank coffee reported lower pain levels than the 29 people who did not drink any coffee. The coffee drinking group noted shoulder and neck pain as 41 out of 100 whereas non-coffee drinkers ranked it at 55.

Since the study wasn’t designed to look at coffee’s effects on pain, the study authors urged caution in interpreting the findings, which follow a string of positive benefits connected with coffee noted in recent studies.

Several recent studies have found strong connections between consuming coffee and decreased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, an increased ability to lose weight, cancer and heart disease protection, decreased risk of contracting infections related to MRSA-the antibiotic-resistant strain of staph infection, and coffee consumption may actually boost one’s longevity by decreasing some risks of premature death.

Coffee does still have risks—too much caffeine has been connected to hypertension and may put excessive stress on the kidneys and adrenal glands. As well, a recent study found a link between coffee consumption and imbalanced estrogen levels in women.

]]>The Gingerly Effect: How Ginger Fights Pain & Morehttp://www.organicauthority.com/health/the-gingerly-effect-how-ginger-fights-pain.html
Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:19:24 +0000http://www.organicauthority.com/s5-health/c8-health/the-gingerly-effect-how-ginger-fights-pain/A world without the deliciousness of ginger would certainly be lacking… a certain piquantness, to say the least. The delicious spice that ginger imparts upon our beloved culinary favorites from gingerbread, ginger ale, gingersnaps, candied ginger, ginger tea, pickled ginger to the like is only the smallest part of this wonder rhizome’s laundry list of awesomeness. […]

A world without the deliciousness of ginger would certainly be lacking… a certain piquantness, to say the least. The delicious spice that ginger imparts upon our beloved culinary favorites from gingerbread, ginger ale, gingersnaps, candied ginger, ginger tea, pickled ginger to the like is only the smallest part of this wonder rhizome’s laundry list of awesomeness. In fact, some say, ditch the aspirin. Ginger is a natural pain reliever!

From Traditional Chinese Medicine to the ancient science of life Ayurveda to Western Medicine, the ginger root is recognized as a powerful tool within the human body. It stimulates circulation while appeasing digestion, and has shown great success at alleviating both morning and motion sickness. There’s something to this old ginger ale and saltines thing after all!

Ginger’s star qualities are largely due to the presence of gingerols, which both give the spice its distinctive flavor and its active medicinal components. Gingerols contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds, which some studies have shown to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, studies have found that ginger is just as strong as painkillers at, well, killing pain. One study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine says ginger is as effective as ibuprofen for relieving painful periods… interesting.

For sore, achy muscles, try adding fresh ginger (four tablespoons) to your bath. For ease of cleanup, you may want to encase it within a cotton or tea bag. You can also brew yourself a nice pot of ginger tea.

Otherwise, give these ginger recipes a try and garner this beauties benefits: